Tornado Watch Canceled in Philadelphia as Debby Moves On
- The National Weather Service has lifted a tornado watch for the Philadelphia area.
- This decision comes as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby continue moving northward.
- Residents can now feel more at ease as the weather conditions are improving.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The National Weather Service has canceled a tornado watch for parts of the Philadelphia region, which was initially set to remain in effect until 10 p.m. The cancellation comes as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move northward. However, a tornado watch is still active for parts of North Jersey and surrounding areas, indicating that residents should remain vigilant for potential tornado warnings. This week, the Philadelphia area experienced its first confirmed tornado, an EF-1, which struck New Castle County, Delaware. The tornado caused significant damage, including tearing off part of the roof of an Acme grocery store and scattering debris. Residents are advised to have a safe location in mind in case a tornado warning is issued in their area. Debby has been downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression and is now classified as a post-tropical cyclone. Despite this downgrade, the storm is expected to bring substantial rainfall and a risk of severe weather to the region. Central Pennsylvania is anticipated to receive the heaviest rainfall, but eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware will also experience significant precipitation. In addition to the tornado watch, a flood watch is in effect for the Philadelphia area until 1 a.m. Saturday, with flash flood warnings issued for several counties. The Brandywine Creek and the Delaware River are already showing signs of rising water levels, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service and NOAA. The CBS News Philadelphia NEXT Weather team will continue to monitor Debby’s impact on the region.